You Have Questions, We Have Answers!

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is one part to the large medical system known as Chinese Medicine here in the West. Chinese Medicine is the oldest, continuously practiced medicine in the world, with evidence of this medicine being in practice for at least 3,000 years.

It is a complete and holistic medical system that has been successfully treating millions of people in Asia and Europe, and since the 60s, in the United States. Until the introduction of modern medicine in Asia, this was the only form of medicine being practiced in Asia.

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into specific points along meridians — or channels — that run throughout the body. Doing this activates the body’s qi (pronounced chee, or life force, vital energy) and promotes natural healing by enhancing the recuperative power of the body. It can also improve overall well-being. It is a safe and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

Acupuncture is virtually painless. For those nonetheless afraid of needles, services are also provided using different modalities that mimic the effects created with acupuncture. Techniques used will be the same as those used in pediatric care. Please click here to learn more about them.

IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is a natural, drug-free therapy. The needles are all disposable, one-time use, sterile needles. The stainless steel needles are individually packaged and sealed by the manufacturer using sterile conditions and is only opened by the practitioner just prior to use. The risk of needle contamination and subsequent infection is essentially nonexistent.

DURING THE ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT...

In response to the needles, patients typically experience a light, “floating,” dreamy sensation, as endorphins (feel-good hormones) flood the body and are released into the bloodstream. The effect of the treatment is very balancing and stabilizing, resulting in a calmer, more peaceful state of mind. Many patients often fall asleep during their treatment, only to wake up feeling very relaxed.

WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

The World Health Organization (WHO), an internationally recognized authority concerning health-related matters has compiled a list of symptoms, conditions, and diseases that have been proven as effectively treated by acupuncture. There is also a list for diseases, symptoms and conditions for which therapeutic effect have been shown with acupuncture. Take a look at the lists below.

You might find a condition that you or someone you know has and never thought acupuncture could be of help!

HOW LONG IS EACH TREATMENT?

The first visit lasts about one and half hours and includes a thorough intake and review of the your medical history and the acupuncture treatment itself. Follow-up visits last one hour and include consultation time to evaluate progress and your concerns.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatments will vary from person to person and are based on the patient’s individual goals. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take longer to achieve results. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes, and most frequently, biweekly visits are recommended during the initial stages. For Women’s Health issues, plan on a minimum of a three months protocol in order to re-establish the body’s ability regulate its cycle.

IF I AM HEALTHY, WHY SHOULD I RECEIVE ACUPUNCTURE?

Even if you feel you have no health concerns, acupuncture can still benefit you. During and following a treatment, many people will experience a profound state of relaxation. When the body is relaxed, it more effectively and with less impact handle stress, viruses/bacteria, emotions and other stressors. Also, because acupuncture improves circulation, it is effective in increasing oxygen supply to parts of the body that may otherwise be undersupplied. If your brain’s oxygen supply is increased, for example, you may notice more clarity and cohesion of thoughts. An overall oxygen increase in the body usually improves energy and stamina. Furthermore, when nearing flu season or preparing to travel onboard a plane or in another enclosed atmosphere, acupuncture is recommended to strengthen your immune system.

What is shonishin?

Shonishin (show-knee-shin) - The literal English translation of shonishin is “little children needle.” (Shoni means child/pediatric, and shin means needle.) It is a therapeutic pediatric treatment from Japan that involves stroking, tapping, rubbing, and pressing the skin with special instruments to create a variety of gentle sensations on the skin. Consider it non-needling acupuncture for kids, as it mimics the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. Though usually reserved for children, this method is excellent for needle-phobic adults as well as for the elderly who generally tend be weak and require a more gentle method of treatment.

What is Cupping?

Cupping — a therapeutic approach that utilizes round suction cups over a large muscular area such as the back to enhance blood circulation to the designated area. It is indicated for promoting free flow of blood and energy to the acupuncture channels, dispelling cold arthritic conditions, and diminishing swellings and pain. Great for use in pediatric conditions of hyperactivity, asthma, and shoulder tension, among other conditions.

Photo by TongRo Images/TongRo Images / Getty Images

WHAT IS MOXIBUSTION?

Moxibustion, aka moxa — a therapeutic application of indirect heat supplied by burning the herb, Mugwort, over a single or group of acupuncture points. Consider it radiant heat therapy. It is indicated for conditions that would benefit from heat, such as cold arthritic conditions, cold hands, feet, lower back, menstrual irregularities, old injuries, atrophied muscles, organ prolapse, prolonged diarrhea, obstruction in the musculoskeletal system and acupuncture channels, turning around a breached baby, and overall for preventing diseases and keeping healthy. In pediatrics, it is excellent for colic, tummy problems like diarrhea, stomach ache, picky eating, respiratory issues like colds and asthma, vision problems, low immunity.

Like acupuncture and herbs, moxa’s effects are cummulative, and the more frequently you can engage in it, the faster, stronger, deeper, and longer lasting the effects of moxa will be felt.

What are Pellets?

Pellets — a therapeutic application of small pellets usually made of a plant seed called Vaccaria, to provide continuous acupressure to points, often in addition to acupuncture, or in lieu of it. Prolongs the effects of the treatment outside of the office as it stays on the skin for 2-5 days. Used often in pediatrics

WHAT IS GUA SHA?

Gua Sha — a therapeutic treatment involving repeated pressure strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth edge, like a ceramic Chinese soup spoon or honed animal bones or well-worn coin to promote blood and energy circulation. It is indicated for headaches, muscle and tendon injuries, cough and other respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, stiffness, pain, immobility, and digestive, urinary and gynecological disorders. Excellent for use in pediatrics.

Luriko has offered me the personal attention I have always looked for in a family physician. She treats me as a unique individual and carefully tailors her treatment to my own health needs and preferences. Her kind and soothing personality calm me as soon as I step in the office. I leave feeling relaxed, balanced, “in tune” with myself, and inspired to care for my holistic wellbeing.

— Charlotte D.

Luriko is not only competent w Oriental medicine and acupuncture but is wonderful and compassionate w children of all ages. She is who I send my patients to!